Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.
That seems to be my lifelong theme.
With a string of heartaches behind me, I’m no longer falling for their one-liners.

When the opportunity arises to study abroad in London for a semester, I can’t pack my bags fast enough.

Bringing a new outlook with me,
I leave my broken heart and memories of the past behind and set out on the adventure of a lifetime.
One chance meeting leads to the hottest night of my life.
All I know is his name and that’s enough for me.
After all, isn’t that what one-night stands are all about?

But everything changes that first day of class.
The guy that I left without so much as a goodbye the morning after the most mind-blowing sex of my life is standing in front of me—introducing himself as Professor Cox.

Now I must sit in his class and pretend like nothing happened.
But that’s harder than it sounds.
What feels so right can only go wrong if I try breaking the limits of my already-broken heart.

PUSHING THE LIMITS

Brooke Cumberland is a USA Today Bestselling author who’s a stay-at-home mom and writes full-time. She lives in the frozen tundra of Packer Nation with her husband, 4-year-old wild child, and two teenage stepsons. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading love stories, listening to music that inspires her, and laughing with her family. Brooke is addicted to Starbucks coffee, leggings, and anything sweet. She found her passion for telling stories during winter break one year in grad school—and she hasn’t stopped since.

Millie Diamond is your typical high school senior. She has great parents, a younger brother, and two best friends who round out her better than average life. Her future is planned out, thanks to her police officer father, who strictly enforces the rules with a firm, but loving hand. Millie is a kind-hearted soul and proper daughter who respects her dad’s authority…until she meets a mysterious new student who stirs emotions in her she’s never felt before.

A drug deal gone bad in South Boston, leaves Cash Davis’ mother no choice but to move him to Tennessee. His life hasn’t been easy, but Cash is tough, and plans on making his future better than his past. Those plans include keeping his head down and finishing high school… but nothing ever comes easy for Cash. His connection with Millie surprises him, and as hard as he tries, he can’t stay away from her.

Millie’s dad arresting him before their first date is definitely not ideal for Cash, and it causes friction between Millie and her parents. Can Millie convince her parents that Cash is the guy for her? Will she still want to after secrets from his past are revealed?

He knelt in front of me. While brushing my tears away with his thumb he said, “Baby, please don’t cry. This was another reason I didn’t want you involved because I don’t want you upset. Shh. Please, I don’t like seeing you like this.”

“I’m sorry, but I’m scared for you. Will you please talk to my dad?” He stared at me a good long minute with his hands still on either side of my face.

“Mil, I don’t want your dad involved either. He already doesn’t think I’m good enough for you. I think it’s just best if I handle this on my own.” I was seeing red at his words. We were perfect for each other. The only problem we ever had was him trying to handle things on his own and not letting me help.

“You know what? You’re selfish!” I was livid. “I love you, and I’m worried sick over this, and your answer is once again, to just let you handle this on your own?”

“I’ve told you about it, so I’m not keeping it from you. I’m asking you to trust me.”

“Don’t patronize me, Cash. I do trust you, I don’t trust them. I’m supposed to, what? Walk around and act like everything is okay, especially now that I know they know where you are.” I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand.

He hung his head. “All right, I can’t stand this anymore. I don’t want to hurt you, so let’s just get through homecoming, and I’ll talk to your dad, okay? I want to concentrate on you and me tonight. I have a surprise for you, and I don’t want to ruin it with all of this crap from my past.” I felt relieved by his words. At least he was listening to reason.

“Okay, I can deal with that.” He brought both of us to our feet and hugged me close.

“Millie, I love you more than anything in the world. I never want to see you as sad as I just did. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“I don’t want to hurt you, either.” I smiled up at him so he wouldn’t feel so bad. “Now go get in the shower and get dressed so we can go to the dance because I want my surprise. You know how impatient I am.” I smacked his bottom.

“That’s not a very nice thing to do to me as I’m heading for a shower. Now I’ll have to take a cold one.” He grinned, showing me his dimples. He knew his dirty thoughts would annoy me.

“Is that all you think about?” He raised one brow and started to reply, but I quickly covered his mouth with my hand. “Never mind. I already know the answer to that. Just go.”

Just before he walked into the bathroom, he called my name. “I don’t think I got to tell you how incredible you look tonight. I was speechless when I first saw you.”

I blushed. Standing in his small hallway, I’d never felt more special. “Thank you. Now hurry up. Wait… will you at least give me a hint about my surprise?”

“Come here.”

Just as I made it over to him, he wrapped his arms around me and picked me up. I was eye-level with him now that my feet were off the ground. I fondled his hair just above his collar as he nibbled on my ear. He soon kissed down my neck only stopping just above my collarbone.

“Well?” I asked curiously, “Are you going to give me a hint or not?”

“No. I just wanted to make out with you for a minute because I knew you wouldn’t let me do it at the dance.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “You little sneak. Maybe since you got your chance here, I’ll just have to hold out on our make out sessions for a while.”

“I guess as long as we both know who would win, I can live with it.” I squeezed him tight and patted his back. “All right, chop, chop! I’m ready for my surprise.”

He chuckled, setting me back on the ground. “Maybe I’ll have to start having more surprises for you. I like watching you squirm.”

Author Carrie Thomas is to our teenage daughters as what Judy Blume was to me…to us really. Judy Blume in some aspects was that mother, that sister and THAT friend that I could turn to when life just seemed too complicated. If you have a teenage daughter or a sister who is in high school (junior high even), this is the book that she needs to read.

As a parent, I wish that this book was out when my girls were teenagers. I not only would have bought them a copy but I would have bought all their friends a copy…..but honestly, it’s not just for teenage girls. It’s for you as well.

~ Valley Girl Gone Country Blog

Carrie Thomas is the author of young adult and new adult romances. When she’s not writing or reading, you can find her traveling the U.S. or stalking her favorite bands. She lives in the South with her husband and two sons. Aside from traveling, any time spent with her family she considers a good day. She’s a firm believer that book lovers should stick together.

Nessa Moore has sought reliable stability since her father’s death. Now, she’s over it. Tired of always being the mature adult, constantly worrying about her alcoholic mother, stressing about being able to afford college, she wants to have one normal, carefree, fun summer. And be more like her best friend Jacie.

Jacie Hayes is struggling to overcome the recent breakup with her first love. The one that ripped out her heart and left her devastated. Frustrated and bored with her own self-pity, Jacie wants nothing more than to forget about Dylan, to go back to her old ways, her old self. To be the fun-loving, live-in-the-moment girl who gossips about boys and sips mojitos.

Best friends since childhood, Nessa and Jacie have been through all their ups and downs together. No matter what. Now, the summer before their senior year of high school, they accept an invitation from Jacie’s aunt to join her in Lockwood Quay, New Jersey, a summer beach getaway.

Determined to make this their best, most memorable, summer yet, both girls push their own boundaries, accept new challenges, and find themselves keeping secrets from each other.

But sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone has consequences.

And some secrets can’t be forgiven.

Or forgotten.

Strong hands close on my hips from behind and I immediately recognize Z’s touch, his smell envelops me as he pulls closer. The hard muscles of his thighs alleviate the pressure on my legs as his forearms close around my middle, holding me up, pressing me into him. His chin dips down, nestling in the curve of my neck. He presses a soft kiss to the top of my shoulder. “Nessa,” he whispers, closing the space between our mouths. He stops an inch from my lips. “I’m going to kiss you now.” I nod, barely, before his lips gently press over mine. Z kisses me slowly, sweetly, reverently. He pulls back slightly and looks into my eyes, shaking his head imperceptibly. His hands work their way up my shirt, gripping the sides of my ribcage and he jerks me closer, slanting his head; his mouth crashes over mine, and I’m pulled under like a riptide.

Gina Azzi spent all of her childhood summers at the beach in New Jersey – it was magical! Gina is a passionate reader, frequent globetrotter, and coffee enthusiast. She currently resides in Dubai with her husband, Tony.

Gina loves meeting new people and would love to hear from you! Get in touch with her at:

She’s his best friend’s little sister. He’s the biggest player of them all. They shouldn’t be together. But this summer’s just too tempting.

Sixteen-year-old Emilia Moretti’s goal for the summer is simple: forget her brother’s best friend—Nick Grawsky—ever existed. It should be easy: He’s spending his summer in the Hamptons, adding girls in tiny bikinis to his list of broken hearts. Guarantee he won’t be telling them they’re like his little sisters. This summer, Emilia won’t stay awake at night thinking about him. She’ll need flawless ballet movements to have a shot at next year’s showcase, and she’s finally ready to search for her birth parents. But when Nick decides to stay in the city, Emilia’s resolve disappears in a pirouette. Maybe it’s the spin they needed to be together. As long as she doesn’t get stuck believing in happily ever after…

Nick is tired of pretending to be the happy, let’s-have-fun guy. His father wants him to change his career from professional dancer to…lawyer. He needs to put all of his focus on dancing to prove to Daddy Dearest he’s good enough to make it big. And he may have a case of the bluest balls in history courtesy of Emilia. She’s off-limits: The bro code with Roberto even forbids the dirty thoughts he has about her. Besides, he’s not boyfriend material. He only has time for flings, for girls who don’t expect much, for girls he doesn’t want to kiss goodnight. He knows he should resist her, but he’s not sure he wants to…

At least for this summer.

It’s going to be a summer like no other. Companion novella of ONE, TWO, THREE Pre-order (special price of $0.99)

Elodie Nowodazkij was raised in a tiny village in France, where she could always be found a book in hand. At nineteen, she moved to the US, where she learned she’d never lose her French accent. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Modern Language & Linguistics, and later earned master’s degrees in German Cultural Studies and European Studies. Unbeknownst to her professors, she sometimes drafted stories in class. Now she lives in Maryland with her husband, their dog and their cat. She’s also a serial smiley user.

Hudson and Blake Lovelly lead a charmed life—successful careers,loving family, beautiful home. Now, on the eve of their daughter’s birth, they’re counting their blessings. Life wasn’t always so generous . . .

Fifteen years ago, seventeen-year-old Blake Voss walked into Cranbrook Preparatory High to participate in the school year’s most-prestigious debate competition. She never expected to fall for the pretentious, golden-haired boy on the opposing debate team, and he never expected to be ensnared by the quick-witted prankster with a heart of gold.

Their mutual love for joking pretense soon leads them to pull their biggest prank yet–pretending to be in love. But when danger threatens, Hudson can’t conceal his growing affection. He’ll do anything to be withBlake, even if it means risking his heart to protect her.

They didn’t plan for their friendship to grow into a love story. But sometimes, all it takes is a little Hope.

This powerful companion to Forever Kinda Love tells the history of Hudson and Blake’s relationship. Laced with haunting emotion and beautiful sentiment, this is a tale about overcoming even the darkest moments, reminding us all to love more. Give more. Without regrets.

Hudson is the anchor of the Lovelly brothers; after their mother dies, their father loses himself in his work and it’s up to Hudson to take care of the boys. We meet Blake and Hudson in “Forever Kinda of Love” and learn of their deep love and commitment to each other.

This story is told in both Blake’s & Hudson’s POV, it alternates between the past and present day. It takes us back to when they met at age 17 during a debate competition to present day when their baby is about to be born.

The attraction between Blake and Hudson is immediate. But, they don’t give in to it immediately. This is a sweet and loving story; their relationship develops slowly. The title says it all “Flirting with Love”; Blake and Hudson are flirtatious and hint at their mutual attraction, but they take their time in letting it go full blown.

The story has a very serious side; one of Blake’s friends lives in an abusive household. Blake tries to help her friend and in a twist to the story a tragedy is suffered.

This is one of my favorite couples: Hudson is a beautiful person and a true gentleman. Blake is a “firecracker” that likes to play pranks; she is true to herself. They are wonderful together and you can feel their love come off the pages. This is a story of love, friendship, loyalty and commitment.

I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Clara Stone lives in the beautiful city of Boise, ID. Unlike what most believe about Idaho, it’s more than a sack full of potatoes. When she’s not writing, you’ll catch Clara reading YA and NA books, mostly romance, and enjoying time with her family. She is a proud CW TV addict.

Hudson and Blake Lovelly lead a charmed life—successful careers, loving family, beautiful home. Now, on the eve of their daughter’s birth, they’re counting their blessings. Life wasn’t always so generous . . .

Fifteen years ago, seventeen-year-old Blake Voss walked into Cranbrook Preparatory High to participate in the school year’s most-prestigious debate competition. She never expected to fall for the pretentious, golden-haired boy on the opposing debate team, and he never expected to be ensnared by the quick-witted prankster with a heart of gold.

Their mutual love for joking pretense soon leads them to pull their biggest prank yet–pretending to be in love. But when danger threatens, Hudson can’t conceal his growing affection. He’ll do anything to be with Blake, even if it means risking his heart to protect her.

They didn’t plan for their friendship to grow into a love story. But sometimes, all it takes is a little Hope.

This powerful companion to Forever Kinda Love tells the history of Hudson and Blake’s relationship. Laced with haunting emotion and beautiful sentiment, this is a tale about overcoming even the darkest moments, reminding us all to love more. Give more. Without regrets.

The last thing seven-year-old Carrigan “Ace” Casper foresaw was an eight-year-old Heath Lovelly walking into her life the day her mother died. From that moment on, Heath sticks by her side, slowly becoming her strength, her confidant, and her entire world. What she doesn’t know is, she’s his saving grace, too.

Ten years later, Ace is handed another crippling challenge that threatens everything in her almost perfect life. Only, this time, she doesn’t turn to Heath, hiding the truth instead. But Heath knows Ace too well and won’t back down easily. He’s ready to do whatever it takes and will stay by her side until she accepts that their love is the kinda love worth fighting for.

Clara Stone lives in the beautiful city of Boise, ID. Unlike what most believe about Idaho, it’s more than a sack full of potatoes. When she’s not writing, you’ll catch Clara reading YA and NA books, mostly romance, and enjoying time with her family. She is a proud CW TV addict.

The last thing seven-year-old Carrigan “Ace” Casper foresaw was an eight-year-old Heath Lovelly walking into her life the day her mother died. From that moment on, Heath sticks by her side, slowly becoming her strength, her confidant, and her entire world. What she doesn’t know is, she’s his saving grace, too.

Ten years later, Ace is handed another crippling challenge that threatens everything in her almost perfect life. Only, this time, she doesn’t turn to Heath, hiding the truth instead. But Heath knows Ace too well and won’t back down easily. He’s ready to do whatever it takes and will stay by her side until she accepts that their love is the kinda love worth fighting for.

A sweet and beautiful romance.
Ace and Heath meet as children under sad circumstances and become each other’s rock. From the moment they met they make a connection and become best friends. The story takes place in their last year of high school. They realize that their feelings for each other are deeper; but don’t want to risk losing their friendship. This story takes you through their journey of discovery, true love and trust.
Ace is a happy, sexy, strong young woman. She is a no nonsense girl.
Heath is sweet, hot and very protective of Ace.
They work through their feelings and just when things seem to be working out, a life changer hits them. Ace receives some devastating news and she doesn’t want to share the news with Heath. This part gets very emotional. My heart broke for both of them. I felt for Ace and understood why she would not tell Heath. Heath does not disappoint. He is the perfect friend and the perfect boyfriend. He comes through as only a true, forever kinda love can.
Clara Stone takes us through this beautiful story with a true connection to the characters. This is one book that I will be recommending. It’s a beautiful read and one you will not put down until you finish.

Clara Stone lives in the beautiful city of Boise, ID. Unlike what most believe about Idaho, it’s more than a sack full of potatoes. When she’s not writing, you’ll catch Clara reading YA and NA books, mostly romance, and enjoying time with her family. She is a proud CW TV addict.

She also writes YA paranormal romance under the name Priya Kanaparti. She is published through Reuts Publications.

Dean has a plan too. Survive. After being subjected to his foster father’s violent attacks, Dean made the hard choice to leave. Now he lives on the streets doing everything he can to get by, refusing to let people help him. But when he meets Anna, he realizes not everyone is out to hurt him.

Slowly, Anna and Dean let each other in, blending their two worlds into one. But when a series of events brings Dean’s world into perspective, he pushes Anna away. Not willing to accept the line that divides them, Anna sets out to bring Dean back to her. Her determination and faith in their future puts her on the tracks of danger, and he is the only one who can save her.

Tessa Marie lives in the same town she grew up in on Long Island, NY with her long time boyfriend and their fish. Under her real name, Theresa Paolo, she released her debut novel (NEVER) AGAIN, a NA romance, in Fall 2013 with Berkley (Penguin) and (ONCE) AGAIN released this summer. She is also the coauthor of the Amazon bestseller KING SIZED BEDS AND HAPPY TRAILS and BEACH SIDE BEDS AND SANDY PATHS, a YA contemporary series. She has a hard time accepting the fact she’s nearing thirty, and uses her characters to relive the best and worst years of her life. She put her love of writing on hold while she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Dowling College. When she’s not writing, she’s behind a camera, reading, or can be found on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook.

Destiny Williams heads off to spend her senior year of high school at the prestigious Caldwell Academy. She will be living with her older brother David while she finishes high school. She is excited about the opportunities Caldwell offers for her dance career and it doesn’t hurt to hang out with her brother and his college friends.

Troy is captain of the football team, sexy, sweet and her brother’s best friend. Practically a member of the family, Troy has always been off limits…until now.

One night together changes everything…

A childhood crush turns into more and Destiny has no choice but to grow up sooner than she planned. Will life’s unexpected detours derail her forever? Is there a happily ever after in the cards for Destiny and Troy?

Only time will tell.

Mini Excerpt:
At first, I am stunned and don’t respond to his kiss, but I quickly get over my shock and begin kissing him back. My hands wrap around his neck and I dig my nails into his hair just a bit as the kiss intensifies. Troy’s hands begin to wander around the waistline of my pants. I don’t understand what is going on between Troy and me. There has never been this kind of attraction between us before. It’s all so strange, yet right at the same time. We finally break apart, and I get up, slip on my tank top, and walk out of the bedroom, leaving a stunned Troy behind

About the Author:

I have been writing as far back as i can remember. I spent most of my teen years writing short stories that my friends were always begging for more for me it was nothing more than a hobby and a way to entertain myself even though I did manage to get published in the school paper a couple times.

I met and married my very own Alpha male, 19 years ago and we have a 18 year old daughter, and two sons ages 15 and 14. We have 3 dogs and 2 cats. There is never a dull moment around my house. We live on the beautiful Gulf Coast of Alabama. We are blessed to have a home on the river and to have the beach just 20 minutes away.

Over the years I wrote a few short stories in between raising my babies, but it wasn’t until 2012 I decided I needed to pursue my dream of writing a full novel. It took a while, but in January of 2014 my debut novel was self published. There is always a story in my head and characters talking to me. I enjoy being able to share my characters with others.

When seventeen-year-old Natalya’s dreams of being a ballerina are killed in a car accident along with her father, she must choose: shut down—like her mother—or open up to love. Last year, Natalya was attending the School of Performing Arts in New York City. Last year, she was well on her way to becoming a professional ballerina. Last year, her father was still alive. But a car crash changed all that—and Natalya can’t stop blaming herself. Now, she goes to a regular high school in New Jersey; lives with her onetime prima ballerina, now alcoholic mother; and has no hope of a dance career. At her new school, however, sexy soccer player Antonio sees a brighter future for Natalya, or at least a more pleasant present, and his patient charms eventually draw her out of her shell. But when upsetting secrets come to light and Tonio’s own problems draw her in, Natalya shuts down again, this time turning to alcohol herself. Can Natalya learn to trust Antonio before she loses him—and destroys herself?

This is the story of Natalya, she is focused on her dancing, she knows what she wants, and becoming a ballerina is her life. Everything changes on one fateful day, her dream of becoming a ballerina is shattered and her life takes a drastic turn. Natalya moves with her mother to her deceased grandmother’s home in the small lake town where she used to spend her summers. She feels abandoned and alone; she builds walls around herself and keeps everybody at a distance. She doesn’t want to expose her home life or her mother’s drinking problem to others. She is hungry for her mother’s love; but her mother is lost in her guilt and her bottle.

Natalya is scarred (in more ways than one) and doesn’t let others get close. She just wants to dance and be left alone. Becca and Natalya spent their summers together at the lake; they had made a pact that they were “Sirens for Life”. Their friendship is strained because Natalya doesn’t want to open up and confide in Becca. Natalya realizes that she had been so focused on her dancing, that she had forgotten how to be a friend; together they mend their friendship. Tonio is handsome, confident and has a good heart; he is the star soccer player. He approaches Natalya and slowly she opens up to him. She opens her heart and allows her feelings for Tonio to surface. Camilo, is the wayward friend; he used to be in the soccer team and he used to be close to Tonio. But, there is bad blood between them due to some bad decisions on both parts.

This story is about love, friendship, hope and second chances. Love helps healing to take place. When Natalya allows herself to feel for Tonio and lets him in her heart, she finds happiness. True friendship is always there no matter what; Becca was there ready to lend an ear, ready with a hug, ready to hold Natalya’s hand and hold her up when she crumbled. In turn Natalya became the friend she had forgotten to be. Natalya has hopes of mending her relationship with her mother after she seeks help. Second chances allow for new beginnings and new dreams.

I loved this story; from the moment I started reading I was captivated. The author, Elodie Nowodazkij, writes a fluid story. One that is well written and easy to follow. There were moments where I cried: when Natalya ran out of her house after a confrontation with her mother and goes to the lake to dance. When her mother hurls ugly words at her. When she needs her mother’s love and it’s not there. When she turns to the bottle to hide her pain. Then there were moments of happiness: when Natalya and Tonio kiss for the first time. When they go on their first date. The School dance. The pranks and bets between Tonio and James result in some funny moments. This is a beautiful story, one that will stay in your heart.

Elodie Nowodazkij was raised in a tiny village in France, where she could always be found a book in hand. At nineteen, she moved to the US, where she learned she’d never lose her French accent. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Modern Language & Linguistics, and later earned master’s degrees in German Cultural Studies and European Studies. Unbeknownst to her professors, she sometimes drafted stories in class. Now she lives in Germany with her husband and their cat (who doesn’t seem to realize he’s not human), and uses her commuting time to write the stories swirling in her head. She’s also a serial smiley user.

Finding My Prince Charming Series by J.S. Cooper

Delirious Series by Clarissa Wild

Seek - Prequel

Snare - Book 1

Seize - Book 2

Don’t Close Your Eyes (Bryant Brothers Book 1) by Hillary Storm

My life ended the day I answered the door and found out James had died. Writing has become my only release and secluding myself from the people who constantly judge me for my way of grieving has made me famous. I'm not ready to love again, in fact it's not even a thought.

Someone needs to tell that to Liam. He's breaking through all of the walls I've worked so hard to create. How can one man be so intriguing? He just gets me, maybe a little too well.